Cultural and Religious Manifesto of Yuru-Kabgyat Festival

An enthusiasm and energy whenever gets complimented by the radiance of color than the occasions like Yuru Kabgyat comes into picture. The Yuru Kabgyat festival which is celebrated at the divine ambience of Lamayaru monastery is one of the most significant celebrations of Ladakh people. During this festival traveler comes from all across the world especially from China, Korea, Tibet and other Buddhist dominated nation to witness the dance drama which is popularly known as mask dance and it is performed by the monks of the various monastery. 

Traveler must understand that this occasion marks the cultural aspects of the local people and would give you idea regarding the Buddhism manifesto which is followed by the mass number of people here.

Historical Facts

To understand the history related with Yuru Kabgyat festival traveler would first need to trace the glory of Mask Dance which according to mythological and chronological accounts reflects the core of Mahayana tradition.

The holy scripts of the Buddhism states that mask dance came into existence during the call of 8^th century and its prominence are still very much apt within the Royal throne of the Bhutan. With the passage of time the Cham Dance became more prolific and turned out to be the most provisional aspects of their tradition.

It is believed that the sole object of the Cham or Mask dance is to please their orgy and it is also performed to resist evil spirits and to protect human body from any unnatural epidemics and anatomy’s.

When It Is Celebrated

This festival is celebrated with great enthusiasm for 2 days during the months of 17^th and 18^th day of the 5^th Tibetan month and according to our calendar it is designated during the months of July and August.

How It Is Celebrated

Traveler must understand that the festival is celebrated to commemorate the deeds and Omni-presence of Lord Yana and Lord Padmasambhava. The common ground of this festival is Mask dance you will witness monks gathering in circle and performing the same with great interest and excitement. An environment of the festival is glorified with the beats of drums, pipes and cymbals keep the momentum of the monks. You would witness monks coming from the surroundings like Lahul, Spiti, Leh to participate in a holy rituals and that’s what make the celebration worth visiting.

Main Activities

The crowd that surrounds the gates of the temple to see monks performing the ritualistic Cham dance speaks the volume of the festival and when we talk about its magnitude than consider mask dance to be a main attraction and main activity of the celebration. Beside that traveler during the time of festival would have an opportunity to learn more about Buddhism.

Where All It Is Celebrated

The festival of Yuru Kabgyat is officially celebrated within the gates of Lamayaru monastery and during this occasion traveler gathers from all across the world to praise the glory of Lord Buddha along with Lord Yana who is believed to be the lord of death and Lord Padmasambhava who is believed to be a lord of wealth.

Ladakh Festival-Showcasing Culture and Traditions

Popularly known as ‘Land of High Passes’ owing its name to Tibetan language, Ladakh is a region in the North Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir. Enriched with natural and cultural extravaganza, Ladakh has many things to offer its visitor. Ladakh Festival which is conducted in a span of 15 days starting from the 1st of September and ending in the 15th of same month is on e of the major events in this region.



History: With an aim to show case the deep culture, traditions and heritage of this region, the Jammu and Kashmir Tourism Department organizes this annual fiesta with collaboration from the district administration of Leh and local communities. Usually, this festival is conducted in span of 15 days for visitors to know about the rich heritage and cultural traditions of this region but this year it has been scheduled to 8 days with much more improvements than the previous year.

Celebration: The celebration is commenced in the 1st of September with magnificent parade carried out by diverse cultural troupes, local leaders, school children and troupe dancers attired in traditional costumes making their way to Leh and finally finishing the parade at the Polo Ground. Various participants of diverse regions than perform their own type of cultural dances showcasing their traditions. The successing days are observed with craft shells, costume dances, Thankas displays, polo matches, musical concerts, local culinary delights and drinks etc. Among others archery, singing concerts, etc are conducted. The winner of the polo matches are awarded with the prestigious Ladakh Festival Cup. Almost every people relish this particular festival with great enthusiasm and make it a grand success.   

Key Attractions:
• Photographic exhibition at the Leh palace organized by National Museum Institute of History and Art.
• Colloquium on "Museums and Changing Cultural Landscape" at Central Institute of Buddhist Studies (CIBS).
• Meditation/yoga program at the Mahabodi Meditation Centre for devout seekers.
• The invigorating dance performance of the Lamas to the haunting tunes adds extra beauty to this festival. Attired in a traditional costume with a colourful mask, they are chosen from varied monasteries of the region.
• Musical Concert.
• Tibetan foods like Thukpa, Skyu and Tsampa are lined up by the various local food stalls and are exotic in its own type.

Must do Activities: A handsome amount of local handicrafts including shawls, prayer flags, mementos, rugs and silver jewelry are brought out to sell by the local people which are inconceivable and if you get one it will add moments to your visit to Ladakh. Make sure to taste and relish the exotic culinary delights and local drinks at the stalls.  

If you are visiting Ladakh during this festival you will feel the real treasure of India by getting closer to this festival. Basically it is a cultural extravaganza filled with immense warmth and joy. The festival symbolizes the end of the festival as after the end of the festival, the chilly weather closes the high passes due to snow.